Shipping Container prices are dropping
13 June 2023It is with genuine delight we are able to confirm that the shortage of shipping containers appears to be over with container prices dropping significantly since the new year, and it looks like prices are just about normalising once again. In this article, we discuss the level of price drops when looking to buy a shipping container, and whether it’s a good time to buy a shipping container or not.
The post-pandemic freight boom is over, and as a result, shipping lines have spare containers so they are now able to sell off their old used shipping containers again. With one trip (new) containers from the factories, the factories no longer have more demand than they can supply which has resulted in new container prices! Ex-factory containers have dropped significantly since their peak. A significant improvement in supply has led to a significant drop almost across the board. This is great news for our customers – and us too, as we believe prices are much more sustainable, and versus a lot of other competing options for a shipping container (eg a large wooden shed for a customer wanting a storage unit) prices for shipping containers over the next 12 months are likely to be more competitive than historical averages.
*Mini disclaimer, we can’t predict the future for certain, but we believe looking at the market today that price increases in the short term are unlikely *
Will container prices drop further?
This is very hard to predict. It is possible, with prices normalising, this means they are nearing their historical average price. Prices have of course been below average many times in the past.
What we have seen is a big drop in our prices over the November 2022-Feb 2023 period, prices have since remained largely static/stable both from the factory when buying new containers, and from shipping lines and leasing companies when buying used containers on the trade market. this seems to suggest a period of stability but as we say above, we aren’t fortune tellers, any predictions we make are purely our belief when looking at the industry and trade. To us it looks like in the short term, it is unlikely that there will be a further significant shift in shipping container prices.
Is now a good time to buy a shipping container?
OK, in all fairness – anyone trying to sell shipping containers going to tell you that now is a good time to buy – but we say it’s always a good time to buy a shipping container! This question is a bit like asking a bartender if now is a good time for a drink. You will only ever get one answer!
Buying a shipping container is very individual. A lot of customers are solving a problem and an issue. A shipping container often offers a good competitive option versus other available ‘solutions’ in the market, meaning that even an expensive shipping container may still be a very competitive option.
However, one big area for us is self-storage yards and supplying to regular customers. Many of these customers suspended new purchases when prices were very high, and these customers are now coming back on board. This is great to see and it may also help hold prices steady as more demand comes back into the marketplace. This is also another big reason why we feel it is unlikely that we will see further significant drops in prices in the near future.
Do you need to buy a cheaper shipping container?
Budgetshippingcontainers.co.uk offer the UK’s largest online range of shipping containers for sale with a nationwide network of storage and conversion yards and crane equipped delivery vehicles.
If you need a shipping container feel free to browse our online range of shipping containers for sale, which also includes our ranges of flat pack sheds, container canopies and more. You can also call us on freephone
0808 1234 215
any time 9am – 5pm weekdays and our team will be happy to discuss your requirements. Alternatively, you can use our online shipping container quote form or request a telephone callback. In both cases we aim to get back to you within 1-2 working hours (may take longer for more detailed quotes).